Roadmap to the Good Life (cont.) Want more? For the full details of each review, including all the panelists views on aesthetics, construction, flavor, and more, subscribe now - or pick up a copy of SMOKE Magazine at a Tobacconist near you! CUBITA SMS Gran Cubita Country: DR Manufacturer: SAG/MATASA Size: 5 x 50 Filler: DR/Nic Binder: DR Wrapper: Hon Panelist #1 I’m going to pick up a box of these as soon as I know what they are. You will fall in love with this cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 This breed of strong, hot-burning smoke will surely have its fans, but I can’t count myself among them. FAIR Panelist #3 This one starts slow but has a great finish, with mellow tones. Would go great after dinner, with a Merlot. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 The dilemma? You want a powerful full-flavored cigar and time is short. The answer: this here cigar! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PEÑAMIL ORO No. 6 Country: Can Isl Manufacturer: Canary Islands Cigar Co. Size: 6x41 Filler: Braz/DR Binder: Nic Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 This one could be enjoyed at any time of day, even before a big meal, with a Martini. Mild but enjoyable. RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 If it tasted like it looked, we’d have a winner. I’d stick these in the humidor for a year and hope for the best. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #3 I smoked this one in the early afternoon. I was looking for a relaxing smoke, but this has a ways to go. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #4 One cannot smoke strong, full-bodied cigars 24/7. This baby makes a fine alternative on the lighter side. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FUEGO CUBANO Silver Series Double Corona Country: Ecu Manufacturer: Fuego Cubano Size: 6.5 x 48 Filler: DR Binder: DR Wrapper: Indo Panelist #1 Not overpowering, just the right touch of spice... I suggest everyone fill their humidor with this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 An in-your-face smoke. Be sure to smoke it after a big, spicy meal. Goes well with any pale ale beer. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #3 A perfect post-workout cigar, with an iced cappuccino. The flavor, draw and finish are an enjoyable combo. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 I would definitely like to have some of these in my humidor, but the construction could be a bit better. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CUBAN HEIRLOOM Torpedo Country: Nic Manufacturer: Cigar King Size: 6 x 54 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Cam Panelist #1 At the steakhouse, someone asked what I was smoking. I told him, “I don’t know.” His answer: “Damn.” HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Not for the weak at heart, this cigar is strong and goes straight to your head. I enjoyed it with a dark brew. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 A decent fire-and-forget cigar for BBQs and picnics. Overall bland flavor, and burns inconsistently. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #4 I smoked this one in the hot tub and enjoyed it from the first puff to the last. A relaxing smoke; never hot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED LA AURORA EDICION 1903 Preferido No. 2 Country: DR Manufacturer: La Aurora Size: 5 x 54 Filler: DR/Cam Binder: DR Wrapper: Cam Panelist #1 Most highly recommended. Enjoy these with a snifter of port and a woman. I gotta get some of these. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 The outstanding flavors sort of collapsed near the finish line. Maybe some age will smooth it out. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #3 A cigar for any time of day, but best after a big meal with a full-bodied red wine. I’ll be looking for these... RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 I didn’t want this one to end. Much great flavor is wrapped up in this compact package. A keeper! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED H. UPMANN Super Corona Country: Cuba Manufacturer: Habanos SA Size: 5 5/8 x 46 Filler: Cuba Binder: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Panelist #1 Classic cigar shape, classic cigar taste. It should adapt to a cup of cafe au lait as well as a whiskey. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Construction glitches aside, I enjoyed this cigar’s bold character, especially with a dark brew. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 Nothing wrong with this one, just expected more nuances from its well-packed size. I’ll try it again. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #4 If I had to guess, I would say there’s some well-aged tobacco in this one, rolled by expert hands indeed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ASTRAL Grandee Maduro Country: Hon Manufacturer: U.S. Cigar Sales Size: 6 1/4 x 50 Filler: DR/Nic Binder: DR Wrapper: Mex Panelist #1 This cigar could be part of any daily smokers regimen. Its only downfall was that it burned too fast. RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Here is another cigar for maduro lovers to throw a match to. Good, but it does lack some complexity. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 A perfect cigar to enjoy with an Irish Cream and coffee. Kick back, take off your shoes, and enjoy this one. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This one held its medium-bodied flavor throughout. A fine example of what a maduro should taste like. RECOMMENDED BAHIA TRINIDAD Churchill Country: Nic Manufacturer: Bahia Cigars Size: 6 7/8 x 48 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Nic Panelist #1 I really liked this one, even though I had to relight it several times. Pairs nicely with a good glass of wine. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 I have found my perfect “filet mignon desert” cigar. Finish a meal with this and your favorite whiskey. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 Either I’m spoiled or this smoke should go back to the drawing board. Definitely not my type. FAIR Panelist #4 There was some inconsistent burning but it has a nice, smooth flavor. This is a great golf cigar! RECOMMENDED GARO NOUVEAU Jazz Country: DR Manufacturer: Garo Habano Size: 6 1/2 x 54 Filler: DR/Nic/CR Binder: Nic Wrapper: Cam Panelist #1 This one was great after a Cuban sandwich and an espresso! It made losing on the ponies not so bad. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Samples were consistent in aroma and flavor but had construction problems. Otherwise, a good stick. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #3 It’s mild enough for the morning, but only if you’ve got time. Better after dinner with a good Cabernet. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 With a great micro-brew in hand, you’ll just want to toke this puppy away. A cigar smoker’s smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FELIPE GREGORIO Mystic Knight Country: Nic Manufacturer: Felipe Gregorio Size: 6 1/2 x 55 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Nic Panelist #1 I highly enjoyed these cigars with an oatmeal stout. All the samples burned and tasted great! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 A rough start with a fine finish. Could be moister, and I had some problems keeping this one lit. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 Save this cigar for a special occasion, and an equally special beverage; I suggest a 25-year old scotch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This was a perfect cigar for brews and dominoes with friends. I’m going to look for these at the smokeshop. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Continued on next page... CURRENT ISSUE ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE REVIEWS CIGAR FORUM SEARCH CONTEST SHOPPING HTML Copyright © 2003 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.